Mommy Rhapsody

Mommy Rhapsody from Church on the Move on Vimeo.

SOOOOOOO TRUE :)

Chiropractors

So I went to the Chiropractor this morning... which was nice in that now I feel much more comfortable in my own skin! The thing that frustrates me about Chiropractors though is this...

They are expensive... even with insurance that covers them, my co pay is $30.

They want you to come back... like 3 times a week at first... that co pay? Ya, for one week just went up to $90.

I know it may be hard for them to understand, but I'm not made of money. I can't afford that. In one paycheck that ends up being $180 out of pocket. And hate to say it... I have a mortgage to pay, a car payment, power, water, etc etc etc... that come first on the bills list. I also would like to, maybe? Hopefully? though probably not going to happen...put my kids in swim lessons this summer.

And while I know that what chiropractors do is good and it will prevent me from having more health issues in the future...

It just doesn't seen $180 a paycheck urgent... you know what I mean?

What is Modest?

Okay, so a little background.

Those of you that have been following my blog for a while know that I've been exploring what I feel I believe with regards to religion and other things.

Some would call what I have been doing lately "rebellious","careless", or just downright "confusing"... depending on where you are coming from personally. I call it "trying to find out if I am what I am because someone told me to be, or because I truly believe it."

Yes, I've been drinking Tea *gasp* and wearing tank tops when I work in the yard *oh the horror*... and then there is that purple in my hair.... :)

Because of all of my "exploring" I'm finding myself looking at things in a whole new light. A different light. One that doesn't see Tea as a grievous sin, but as a healthy drink that has less caffiene than most colas (we are talking Green Tea here... you know, the stuff that is full of anti-oxidants and helps to suppress appetite so that you can loose weight. Call it justifying or whatever you want, but with my Insulin Resistance I really shouldn't be drinking sugar choked Hot Chocolate every morning, and I like something warm to help wake me up). I also no longer see showing my shoulder as something that may cause other people ie men, to think "unclean thoughts" about me.

So night before last I went to a Parent Orientation for the Charter School that I have my kids enrolled in next year. It was very informative and makes me excited for the Fall and (hopefully) all the good this school will do for my kids.

One part of the meeting was on what the kids should wear. They have decided that the kids will wear solid color polo shirts (any color) and dark blue, black, or khaki colored pants. The pants can be jeans (Horrah!), but they need to be dark colored jeans. As they were discussing this they were talking about sleeve length on the shirts...

"Is it okay to have long sleeves in the winter?" asked on parent.

"Yes, that is fine. Short or Long sleeves... as long as it's a solid colored polo shirt and isn't sleeveless. We want to make sure the clothes are modest."

Now, I know most Mormons in this area would think nothing of this exchange... and I understand that. They have been taught since they were young that sleeveless is "immodest". But to someone who is a non member or disenfranchised with the Church this screams LDS.... and I will tell you why.... where else outside of church do you hear the word "modesty" or "modest"? I'd be willing to bet not many places.

"They gave us a modest estimate on the house"... mostly in reference to things that are not done to an extreme.

Hate to say it... tank tops are not extreme... I could see the argument that halter tops or tube tops are. Really I can... heck! One wrong move and the girls can come out the play! Yikes! But when you see a nice womens business suit and the top is sleeveless does it really make you immediately think the outfit is skanky? In the past it would make me immediately think "Op, can't wear that!" and then I would go on... but never that the outfit didn't look nice.

So, to some, by indicating that sleeveless shirts are immodest... it appears to be a religious issue, not a "modesty" issue. And by default it seems to say "People that wear sleeveless shirts are immodest" and can be offensive. And it can imply not so good things about the speaker... one of the synonyms of "modest" is, after all, "prudish"...

Now, just to be clear, I wasn't offended by the exchange, though I have to admit that I did cringe a little for the thought that many people that are vehemently opposed the the LDS viewpoint might have an adverse reaction.

Sometimes wording can say a whole lot more than you intend it to say...

Adventures in Braiding

So recently I've become ambitious with Missy's hair again. I decided that even though I don't know anyone personally (that I'm aware of) that know how to do 4 stranded or 5 stranded braids, that I was going to figure it out. This is my first attempt at a 5 strand braid, and no, I did not try it "non-french-braid-style" first. I probably should do that...

Anyways, Missy's hair is a little short for it... hence the mess near the bottom and the end in a messy bun. So since her hair is so short, today I tried it with two on her head instead of one... and with the "french" part being pulled into the top.

Much better! Basically, all braiding is, is weaving with hair.... if you put your mind to something... you CAN learn it! (BTW I originally learned this from my favorite hair blog)

Anonymous Comment Day

Okay, this one is going to be somewhat narcissistic... just a warning! lol

What is it you like most about my blog, and what is most annoying or the thing you disagree with most?

Just curious mostly :)

Mr. Dyl's Bday Party

So a little over a week ago my friend Kar threw a birthday party for her son who is the same age as Goober.

Goober was invited and was SOOOO excited. It WAS after all a Bakugan party! Because Dyl's is a major Bakugan fan.

Kar came up with the cutest games: Bakugan memory (with each dude, his planet, and his Bakugan... you had to find all three to get a match!), a somersault race (because Bakugan's roll, doncha know?), a treasure hunt with Bakugan hints and prizes, and a game where the kids tried to bounce bouncy balls into little tin cups!

It was obvious she went to a lot of work, and the kids really seemed to enjoy it all! Goober was so antsy and bouncy that I told him to go run around the yard three times to get the energy out... and guess what? HE DID! Too funny! Seemed to do the trick though...

He had lots of fun, and Dyl's seemed to enjoy himself too :) He did, after all, make out like a Bakugan Bandit!

Thanks so much for inviting Goober Kar!

Goober's Party

Wow, the one time I really think I might not have forgotten anything... I get to the bowling alley and... I don't have my wallet!!!! No kidding... so I ask two of Goober's friends mom's if it would be okay if I hurried and ran home and looked for it (they were awesome and totally cool with it)... seeing that the bowling alley wouldn't let the kids start bowling until I had paid for the party!

I ran home...

I looked...

I thought about where I saw it last...

I called the dollar store...

YAY! They had it! So I ran over there and picked it up, called the bowling alley who then let the kids start playing, and ran back to the bowling alley as speedily as possible...

Needless to say, I was late for my own kids party :(

Thank goodness Goober's friends parents are stellar and totally helpful and understanding! That and Goober seemed to have a good time, even if the party did run overtime...

One of these day's I might get it all right...

Maybe by the time they are in high school.

At least we didn't have a cake-wreck on top of it all!

The Conundrum of Father's Day

So today is Father's Day... a day that really should be recognized just as much as Mother's Day in my book! There are a lot of really great fathers out there that would go to the ends of the earth to help their children... or to even see them in some cases.

I think the fathers rarely get the props that they deserve for being caring and going out of their way for their children, and sometimes other peoples children. From what I see... women get at least some praise for fulfilling the stereotypical roll of "nurturer and caregiver", but for some reason guys don't seem to get the same recognition... after all, cuddling with a child is not generally seen as masculine, even if it does make his significat other all "Gooey" over him. :)

I'm so glad that the guys in my life are truly excellent father's! Not a "deadbeat" amongst them!

Jer has always been willing to help me out with anything involving the kids, he has willingly changed diapers, helped the kids get ready for the day, or made them dinner when I didn't have the drive to. He helpfully checks on them when they are fighting in the other room and rough-houses with them in the living room. I honestly don't think I could ask for a better spouse or a better father for my children.

While he has to go to work every weekday to make ends meet, I know that if I were to choose to go back to work he would do an awesome job as a stay at home dad. He might have culture shock for a bit (and who wouldn't? honestly) but I know he would quickly put me to shame in many areas. I'm glad my kids have him for a dad.

Speaking of dad's...

My dad is a great guy himself, who I remember as never having a moment's hesitation about cuddling with me... even as a teenager. I remember seeing him reading a book in the living room and instantly going over to him to pester him. I would sit by him and make it my business that he must stop reading at once and pay attention to me! After I had succeeded in distracting him sufficiently from his task, he would put his arm around me, pull me close, stroke my hair, and we would talk about just about anything. I cherish those memories... especially now that I am a parent, and have my own insane life to try to keep on track. I know how tempting it is not have time to just sit and enjoy a child.

Every time I visit my parents I am reminded of why I'm glad they live nearby! My dad takes them for rides on the Rhino, throws rocks into the pond with them, tells them about the flowers on the trees in the spring and lifts them up so that they can smell them and enjoy them. They search out bugs, and he lets them help him fix things. My dad gets down on the floor to play with my kids, they climb all over him and squish his cheeks... they continually build that bond that I know my children will be appreciative of when they become teenagers. I know that when my kids need to talk to someone that is not mom or dad, they they will have someone to go to.

I'm more grateful for that than I think either of my parents can imagine, however when Father's Day comes around I haven't a clue what to do... you see, I'm crappy about knowing what fishing gear to buy and I don't know what else he would want... cards aren't my thing, most of the time they don't say enough, or they feel trite. This morning I called my dad and he wasn't home (hopefully he was out doing something FUN!)...

There really is very little that could express to my dad how much I love him. Yes, he has faults, every human does... but honestly, the more human he is while still trying hard to do things that are right, the more I love him!

Happy Father's Day Old Man!

California Vacation Pt 3: The Getty

So one of the last things I remembered my camera for.... (yes, I forgot my camera... and yes I did go to Disneyland that day... and I got incredibly sunburned... but maybe that is for the best, this way my kids can't see what they missed, cause they would be pissed. And I'm planning on eventually taking them all back there, probably when Turbo is at least 64" tall...)... was the Getty! And just a warning, if you haven't figured out that these vacation posts are picture intensive, then let me just say... this one has the most pictures!

First we parked and got on the tram up to the museum:

The building itself was very artistic and airy... it was almost like the guy was doing his best to make you feel as though the exhibits were actually outside!

For most of the week that we were there I totally forgot to get in any of my pictures! So here I conned Jer into taking one of myself and Erika... and no my hair doesn't usually look like I was electrified... that was the wind silly!

Then Erika got one of Jer and I! :)


We took a cool tour of the Renaissance part of the museum, about how the art changed as time passed... and I was so enthralled that I forgot to take pictures...can you tell I was a little loopy that day?! After that I conned both Jer and Erika into taking a garden tour with me... because apparently (if you haven't figured it out) was was absolutely in love with the plants and the weather there! Heck, who can blame me! I'd just come from the cave like, snow ridden state of Idaho!

Here is a picture looking down on the gardens:


And me with my headphones on so I could hear the tour guide talking without her having to shout:

The rocks with the stream underneath... you could hear the water constantly :)


As you got further down the stream, there came to be less and less rocks obstructing the view...

And then there was the Bougainvillea! Look at that awesome vine! Soooo pretty, and all over down there!


And more pretty green stuff!

The waterfall that the stream feeds into and the pool beneath it:


And me being cheesy and forcing Jer to cooperate!

Good enough to eat? Nope, not unless you want to hallucinate!

The azalea bushes in the pond:


See, I'm not the only one that likes green!!! Van Gogh does too... so Meh!

And so does Monet!

And this picture they got mad at me for taking... not because of flash, but because it was in the Leonardo De Vinci Exhibit... and apparently I'm super oblivious and didn't see the bazillions of signs saying "no picture or video" until AFTER I got in trouble...Doh!

It was a really cool place to visit and I thought the coolest thing was that you could get up close to everything... no barriers to keep you from getting close enough to actually see the paint strokes. It really helped make you feel as though you were meant to ENJOY the art. As strange as it seems, most museums don't make you feel that way.

Thanks so much to our awesome hosts and the people that made us feel right at home!

After visiting you guys I totally want to come visit again! I hope we didn't wear out our welcome and weren't too much trouble. If ever we can repay the favor... PLEASE let us know!

Thanks again, you awesome, awesome, fabulous people!

California Vacation Pt 2: Hanging Out!

While in Cali, we not only did a bunch of awesomely fun things, we also got a chance to hang out and reeeeeelllllaaaaaxxxxx :)

We went to a sweet coffee shop with excellent crab cakes for breakfast the day after we arrived with everyone,

Erika has an awesome neighbor named Ericalyn who is the bomb! She takes really cute photos...

...so we headed over to the beach after breakfast so that she could get some pictures of Mrs. B's little girl (really sweet little girl!).

Unfortunately the water was icy cold... as Jer found out quick enough.

and yes, he totally made fun of me for taking the next picture.... "ooooooh saaaaand, woooooow" but HEY! It's the BEACH! and for his information... I'm from a land locked state!

In between running around to Medievil Times and eating at really good Breweries and restaurants, there were errands to run :) Gotta keep life going! Miss J found out that my Ipod was a great distraction!
Look at those curls!!! Soooooo cute!


Then of course there was my preoccupation with the greenery... lol PURPLE TREES! I was in awe... and the sun, and the beautiful weather, and the boats... and the walk through the park with the awesome Chai tea.... mmmmm, yum!


Jer made quick friends with a little girl that Erika was watching one of the mornings we were there... She climbed right up on his lap and made herself at home :)


And we were introduced the the joys of SingStar... which I have been keeping my eye out for on the PS3 (but may end up having to order)... Karaoke at it's best! The kids were a good audience :)

Miss J and Mr C were soooooo cute!

This Vacay was the best of both worlds, we did enough to feel like we got to see things, but had enough days that we could sleep in that we also felt relaxed and that we actually got a vacation!

Stay tuned for more tomorrow... same bat channel, same bat time!

California Vacation Pt 1: Medievil Times

It's raining outside and I'm mad about it... and here I thought I would Weed & Feed my lawn! ha! So since Mother Nature obviously doesn't want me to accomplish anything outside today I have suddenly found time to blog! Mwhahaha!

While we were in California, Erika & Jason & ourselves went to Medievil Times. I have only been to a Medievil Times once in my life and it was when I was seven and my parents took us to Disneyworld.
Dinner was lots of fun! We totally ate everything with just our hands, aren't those handles on the bowls handy? :D

Then the show commenced!

We sat in the Red and Yellow knights area (hence the color of our crowns)... and since it's really awkward to yell "Red & Yellow" to a rhythm when cheering for our guy, Erika and I decided that "Rellow" would have to do! Astro from the Jestons would have been proud!


But alas our knight was a wuss and was the first one to be offed by the malicious and surly Green knight (the bad guy)... he was most definitely a Slytherin!

Very moody.

Had a temper too.

Apparently he was pissed off because people wanted peace. The Nerve of some people.... Peace! Pshaw!

When the introduction to the tournament was done all of the knights rode out of the arena together... the Green was right next to our Rellow knight... I bet our Rellow knight looks back now and wishes he had turned and sucker punched the dude, or maybe stabbity-stabbed him with the sharp pointy thing in his belt. Especially since he was the first one offed and all....

The princess, of course, was a total wuss. Very non-Joan of Arc. She liked to pout about the prince coming up missing, but didn't have any leadership skills to "Get-er-done!!!" as far as finding him!

In the end the prince and the knight who won the tournament (the Black and White knight) fought the foe and came out victorious!!! And we got to see really awesome horses do cool performances and some fun battles with lots of sparks being thrown due to metal swards hitting each other etc!

So fun!